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Topline Ink Equestrian Journal
Sample article from the May 2006 Issue:
 
 
 
The Young Horse Tip Series:
The Leading Edge
By Elaine Cornell
 

 

T

 

he first and last thing you do with your horse each day is lead him.  Paying attention to how you do that can set the tone for your entire work session.  If you just throw on the halter and drag him in, you get off to a bad start!

     When you go to get your horse, whether it is out of a pasture or out of a stall, immediately ask him to give you his complete attention.  He should focus on you, and walk properly at your shoulder, not behind or ahead, not looking around at the surrounding activity.  If you stop, he should stop.  You shouldn’t have to drag him.  This applies to a foal from about two weeks old on up to an old horse. 

     The way you interact with your horse, even in something as simple as leading him in, sets the stage for what will follow.  It gives him the message that it is now time to work.  When you lead the horse back out, make him stand quietly for a few seconds before you take the halter off.  The training session will end on a good note, and the horse will learn that when the halter goes on, it’s time to come in from the playground.  Your horse will appreciate the consistency and knowing what to expect every time.  Any interaction with your horse is training, whether you realize it or not. Leading is something you do every time you work with him, so take advantage of the opportunity to make him an even better horse!

 

 

 

Read more articles by Elaine Cornell in these issues

 

Coming Soon!  March 2007 Issue -  The Shoulder In

 

February 2007 - Warmbloods & Warmbloods (Read all about the history of warmbloods and U.S. & European registries.

 

January 2007 - Some Thoughts on the Leg (an overview of the rider's legs and ideas on effectiveness.)

 

October 2006 - What the heck is the Half-Halt.

 

September 2006 - Rhythm as an Indicator of Balance.

 

August 2006 - Relaxation the Mind Connection

 

July 2006 - Free Jumping: For predicting ability & training.

 

June 2006 - The Young Horse Tip - Moving the Haunches

 

May 2006 - Training the Young Horse: From Weaning to Riding

 

April 2006 - Early Foal Handling: How and Why

 

March 2006 - Dressage for all Disciplines

 

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